Dracosciadium italae

This little known member of the carrot family from KwaZulu-Natal
makes an unusual and interesting addition to indigenous gardens.

DescriptionThe
most distinctive feature of this species are the peltate (shield-shaped),
deeply dissected, fern-like leaves, which form round clumps about
half a metre in height. In autumn the leaves turn attractive shades
of red and orange before dying back in winter. The plants grow vegetatively
by means of a horizontal underground rootstock. The richly branched
flowering stalks appear in midsummer (December) and bear delicate
umbels of tiny, yellow, star-shaped flowers.
Threatened status: Vulnerable;
it is only known from three populations in the wild.

Distribution
These plants grow on and around rock outcrops in shallow soil in
montane and mistbelt grasslands between 1 200 and 1 600 m. The distribution
range is very narrow, being confined to three localities in northern
KwaZulu-Natal, a summer rainfall region. They are able to withstand
cold winter temperatures.

Derivation of name and historical aspectsThe
species was first described in 1986 by Hilliard and Burtt. The generic
name is derived from the Latin draco meaning dragon, referring
to the Drakensberg Mountains where the type species occurs, and
the Greek sciadion meaning parasol, sunshade or umbel, referring
to the shape of the inflorescence. The species name is derived from
the Itala region where it was first collected.

This plant belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae, together with
the widely used medicinal herbs Peucedanium caffrum (wild
parsley) and Alepidea amatymbica
(ikhathazo). There is only one other species in the genus, also
endemic to KwaZulu-Natal.

Ecology
Bees and flies have been observed collecting pollen from the flowers.

Uses and cultural aspects
There are no records of this plant being used for traditional medicine.
It has great horticultural potential with its attractive fern-like
leaves and grows well both in borders and in containers. Flower
arrangers have expressed great interest in the airy gypsophila-like
inflorescences.

Growing Dracosciadium italae

Dracosciadium
is easily propagated by both seed and root cuttings. Seed does not
require any special treatment and germinates readily if kept moist.
Suckers or pieces of rootstock placed in a well-drained medium such
as sand and watered regularly, develop a healthy root system within
a few weeks and the plant can be potted up into a pine bark medium
or potting soil. The plant is a good container subject (Scott-Shaw
1999).

The delicate shape of the leaves contrasts well with grasses and
kniphofias. We have a mixed planting at Natal Gardens consisting
of cycads, dracosciadiums and flame lilies, which provide an interesting
and attractive mix of textures.

The plants are prone to red spider mite in late summer but this
can be controlled with appropriate pesticides.

To find out if SANBI has seed of this or other SA species, please email our seedroom.
This page forms part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute's plant information website www.plantzafrica.com.